Czech racer Karel Abraham has leaked technical specs of the new, 999cc Ducati Desmosedici GP12. Power climbs to a staggering 250bhp, bringing the top speed up to 224mph, thanks to the new, larger V4. But, the biggest change is going to be the swap from a carbon monocoque to a conventional aluminum beam frame.

Since the new-for-2012 1,000cc MotoGP regulations are retaining the old, 21-liter capacity of the 800s, there’s been some idle speculation that Ducati and other teams may not punch their engines out to the limit, instead retaining a smaller capacity somehow capable of combining big power with reasonable fuel-economy. Not so for Ducati, which is taking its motor out the maximum permitted 999cc. Variable engine maps and sophisticated computer systems will likely handle the economy quotient, something Ben Spies talked about when we interviewed him last month.

“At first glance it may appear that the bike is similar to the last year’s model, but under the fairing is a series of significant changes,” states Cardion AB crew chief Marco Grana, fresh of two weeks in Bologna learning about the new bike.

But, beyond that larger motor, new frame and revised aerodynamics — the winglets are gone — it looks like Ducati is playing it fairly safe. “Most of the components on the new bike are from the same manufacturer as last year,” states the team. “Suspension of Abraham’s bike is provided by Öhlins while the brakes are from Brembo. All teams from the premier class use Bridgestone tyres.”

“I tried the new bike during the post-season test in Valencia, but the first real test will be held at Sepang in Malaysia at the end of January,” explains Karel. “We need to be well prepared for the first test because we want to try a lot of things. We also must work on the set-up of the bike because the 2012 MotoGP season kicks off in Qatar on April 8th.”